VelbonVS 443D Tripod with QHD-53D and V4 Vario Height 160.5 cm Maximum Load 3.5 kg

The VS443D caught my eye whilst I was browsing for a new "good tripod". There are quite a few options out there for buyers, but this is quite unique in some ways.The tripod comes with it's own zip up case, has a good feel of quality about it and is very secure and solid. Not the lightest out there, but it's not hugely heavy either. The "Boom arm" is surely the biggest selling point this replaces a normal central column on normal tripods. Being able to remove the central column is nothing new, the boom arm is a joy to use. You can position the arm at obscure and intersting angles that would simple not be possible or easy to do with a normal tripod. The boom arm is held by a simple and very quick twist and lock mechanism on the arm which is nice and solid with a chunky rubber hand grip to control the angle and position/locking of the arm. The column is also geared with friction control, and metal arm so you have no concerns over robustness.Topped off with a Velbon QHD-53D ball head which is good quality and has 3 spirit levels. quick release etc. You can fit any other head you want with ease, the ball head makes sense as for most users.In practical use this is a stunning tripod, an essential purchase for macro shooters, possibly of some interest for video ones. But even for normal tripod use it would be almost impossible to go back to a normal standard tripod however nice quality wise. Most photographers go for a Manfrotto out of the brand name, and whilst that company makes some great tripods, this is well worth looking at. And a very reaasonble price too you get a good quality product and a good deal.An important evolution for the tipod, you actually want to use this one as much as you can! It makes normal tripods look out of date and old hat. Someone has actually sat down and worked out how to make a really good easy to position tripod..Velbon must have actually involved photographers in the design of this!Superb..a real hit for Velbon

Very pleased with this tripod. I'm working on a cut out animation, so needed a tripod with a boom arm, which can enable me to film shooting straight down. This tripod is perfect for this, its easy to adjust and remains stable. The legs are adjustable, which means they can remain flush against the multi plane animation stand, (I do rig the tripod to the stand for extra security) so they don't get in the way during filming. Spent a long time researching suitable tripods, my only other options were to spend a lot more money or to create something my self, so I opted for this one, after looking at the other reviews on amazon. So glad I chose this tripod, it makes filming much easier. Haven't had any issues with those tripod so far, its easy to use and reliable. Great value and great service too.

I was looking for a very versatile tripod that would cater for diverse photography, I.e. macro, trick photography etc.After watching and reading as many reviews as I could I decided on the Velbon VS 443D and was not disappointed.Although not the cheapest, this a very well made and presented tripod and comes with it's own carry case.Operation is smooth and goes into different configurations flawlessly.This tripod will I believe give many years of service and I would highly recommend.

Nicely made product, light weight, so ideal for travelling but not sure how stable it would be in windy conditions. I do a lot of tabletop work with the camera face down and tripod holds the weight of a Canon 5d with macro 100 lens well but would not extend the arm too far out.

A versatile tripod with smooth operation, goes into different configurations flawlessly.